MINNEAPOLIS, MN — This spring, the Minneapolis Convention Center began using its recently installed stormwater storage system, which will keep an estimated 5.4 million gallons of stormwater from running off and into the Mississippi River each year. A series of large rainwater storage pipes water will be used to irrigate the landscaped areas all around the center.

This major project is a recognition of the importance of the Mississippi River and lakes to the region. As Minneapolis has embraced the riverfront in recent years as a draw for recreation, visitors and new businesses, the City of Minneapolis and many partners have invested in efforts to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff from properties in the city, which carries pollutants into the storm sewers and into the lakes and river.

This project will further the Convention Center’s LEED for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance (EBOM) certification. The rainwater project will help by meeting the LEED credit requirements for Rainwater Management.